Test result preview
As part of our product test, we took a closer look at the 4-piece knife set from Matakumi. The set, consisting of an 8″ chef’s knife, a 7″ and 5″ Santoku knife and a 3.5″ paring knife, impresses with its versatility and quality. The blades made from robust German steel are durable and ideal for everyday use in the kitchen. Thanks to the high-quality workmanship, the knives offer excellent cutting performance, making precise slicing and chopping effortless. The Damascus design gives the blades a special visual touch, while the ergonomically shaped rosewood handles offer a high level of comfort and enable pleasant handling even when cutting for long periods of time. The Asian-inspired design combines functionality with stylish elegance and is a real eye-catcher in any kitchen. One small disadvantage is that the knives are best cleaned by hand due to their fine workmanship to ensure the longevity of the blades. The elegant packaging also makes the set the ideal gift for amateur and professional chefs who value quality and reliability.
Advantages
- Versatile in use
- Ergonomic rosewood handle
- Very sharp blades
- Attractive Damascus design
- Suitable as a gift box
Disadvantages
- Not dishwasher safe
- Use of plastic film
The test
General information
We took a close look at the product and tested it in practice. In the following, we take a closer look at the features and impressions. From the packaging, materials and quality to the range of functions and handling, the product is subjected to our test procedure.
To give you a quick overview, we work with a points system. The maximum achievable score per area is 100 points. The final overall score is calculated from the average of all tested features, taking into account the respective weighting. For a detailed insight into our comprehensive evaluation process, which forms the basis of all our product ratings, please click here.
The first impression
Packaging and contents
Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Criterion
Remark
Score achieved*
Product protection
Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected
Points
Sustainability Packaging
Unnecessary packaging waste was avoided, the plastic film could be replaced by a more environmentally friendly solution
Points
Package contents & scope
Complete
Points
Instructions for use
Product is self-explanatory, instructions for the various knives can be called up online
Points
TOTAL
95
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
The elegant packaging of the Matakumi knife set makes a high-quality impression and can also be used as a gift box. The box is made of recyclable material and has a compact design to avoid unnecessary waste and packaging material. The inside of the packaging is fully and efficiently structured to organise the individual components clearly and protect them during transport. The product is basically self-explanatory and information on the various properties and applications of the knives can be accessed online. One small point of criticism remains the use of plastic film around the packaging – this is not necessary and could be replaced by a more environmentally friendly solution.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
Criterion
Remark
Score achieved*
Visual appearance
Attractive Damascus blade design, elegant rosewood handles
Points
Processing
Very good workmanship
Points
Stability
Very stable
Points
Sustainability of the product
No details, but use of high-quality materials
Points
TOTAL
93
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
The 4-piece knife set from Matakumi impresses at first glance with its solid workmanship. The test showed that there are no visual flaws – the design looks modern and appealing. The Damascus look of the blades and the stylish rosewood handles give the knives an elegant yet traditional look. The first positive impression is confirmed by the high stability of the knives. They are pleasantly heavy in the hand, which ensures good balance and a secure grip . Even with moderate pressure, the blades remained dimensionally stable and showed no deformation. The use of high-quality materials indicates a durable and environmentally friendly solution, even if Matakumi does not provide any specific information on sustainability.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
Criterion
Remark
Score achieved*
Cutting performance
Very sharp blades, versatility thanks to 4-piece set
Points
Handling and ergonomics
Comfortable to hold, ergonomic handles for ease of use
Points
Balance
Very good balance
Points
Precision
Precise cutting and chopping
Points
Cleaning and care
Easy to clean, not dishwasher safe
Points
TOTAL
98
Points
Weighting: 45%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
The 4-piece knife set from Matakumi was thoroughly convincing in our practical test. The knives delivered precise and clean cuts on a variety of foods such as meat, vegetables and fruit. The 8″ chef’s knife in particular proved to be versatile and efficient for larger cutting jobs, while the 3.5″ paring knife was ideal for finer work such as peeling and cutting fruit and small vegetables. The ergonomically shaped rosewood handles were comfortable to hold and offered a high level of comfort even during prolonged use. Even with wet hands, they ensured a secure grip that allowed for controlled work. The knives were characterised by a good balance, which made cutting easier and minimised strain on the wrists. The test also showed that the sharp blades made precise cuts possible, especially for fine work such as slicing thin slices of vegetables or herbs, but the 7″ Santoku knife was also capable of chopping larger ingredients. However, the knives must be cleaned by hand with warm water and washing-up liquid as they are not suitable for the dishwasher . This manual cleaning has proven to be useful in order to maintain the sharpness and longevity of the blades.
Overall, the Matakumi knife set offers good cutting performance, comfortable handling and a good balance, making it a practical addition for everyday use in the kitchen.
Test plan of the Prüfengel Institute
You can find a detailed insight into the evaluation criteria of the practical part of the test and the distribution of points here. If you are also interested in the evaluation of our other test criteria, please read our document on the evaluation process.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
Finally, we analyse how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
Criterion
Remark
Score achieved*
Price / performance ratio
Very good performance in the lower price segment
Points
Rating cut
Not rated, as there are still too few customer reviews
TOTAL
90
Points
Weighting: 15%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
At the time of testing, the product had not been listed on Amazon for long enough. Therefore, the existing reviews do not sufficiently reflect the advantages and disadvantages of the product, so this point is neglected in the evaluation.
Prices of up to €99.99 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very affordable products are available from as little as €29.99 . The 4-piece knife set from Matakumi is therefore currently in the lower price segment with a price of €39. For the quality and performance received, the price-performance ratio is very good.
Overall result
Weighting
Score achieved*
1. packaging & contents
20%
Points
2. product processing & appearance
20%
Points
3. in the practical test
45%
Points
4. price/performance & consumer reviews
15%
Points
TOTAL
Points
*Themaximum score is 100 points
